With 2 teenagers (16 and 13) we had to re-think our summer holiday format. Gone are the days that they would play in the pool or on the beach all day while we relaxed- they now sit on a sun bed- scrolling. So, after the success of our California Road Trip last year (best trip ever) we decided we would do the same kind of thing in Europe this summer. We wanted to explore somewhere we had never been - and  for us, that was Portugal.

We started in the south flying into Faro and were going to end in the north, in Porto.

We stayed in Quinta Do Lago at the Hotel Quinta Do Lago  for the first 2 nights. This area of the Algarve is popular with golfers, it's beautifully kept and there are lots of wooden walkways that are great for cycling and walking. We spent a day on the bikes, which is a great way to see everything, we then had a long lunch with friends at Restaurante 2 Passos- a wonderful seafood restaurant on the beach, a must if you are in the area, finishing with cocktails at Maria's- a lively beach club with a with a DJ that stays open late.

Our next top was Sagres a small town in the south west of Portugal- you might recognise the name from the famous beer thats brewed there. We stayed at The Martinhal Sagres Family Resort- right on a beautiful beach, with calm crystal clear waters (the sea in most parts of Portugal is rough and cold as its the Atlantic ocean). I only wish I had discovered this hotel when my children were younger- it's a brilliant hotel for children, they have really thought of everything to keep the kids occupied while the parents relax. My son took advantage of the daily 4pm football games and the tennis courts. The sea views were stunning and the food was great. If you don't have kids though, I would not recommend this hotel.  

Wearing my Venus Earrings and  Siena Necklace with Ariel Enamel Charm

On the way up to our next stop we had lunch at Odeceixe Beach, a beautiful spot that  is popular with surfers. We had lunch overlooking the bay with stunning views.

Odeceixe Beach

We then stayed at the Craveiral Farmhouse for one night, rustic, echo-retreat in the countryside. Our rooms were right next to the goats, you can get around the wooden walkways with the old bikes that are dotted around. We swam, went in the saunas and did ice baths.

Craveiral Farmhouse 

The next day we set off to Comporta and stopped off for lunch at the Hotel Vermelho in Melides. This hotel has been on my wish list for a while. It was designed by Christian Louboutin (Vermelho means red in Portuguese), who fell in love with the town of Meildes when he visited some years ago. The decor is traditional Portuguese - full of colourful ceramic tiles, frescoes, antiques and artisanal pieces. It's set in beautiful lush green gardens and is basically a piece of heaven- I am going back to stay at some point! Lunch in the courtyard looking the gardens was a treat. The town of Meildes is a traditional little town with a gorgeous little shop selling handmade artisanal home decor called Vita Dura.

Lunch at Xtian Restaurant at Hotel Vermelho

The traditional blue and red facade at Hotel Vermelho

Decor at the Hotel Vermelho

Vita Dura shop in the town of Melides

Driving into Comporta you will see nests that become more frequent the closer you get- these nests belong to white storks, which you will see everywhere in Comporta. Our hotel was Independente Comporta and we stayed in a 2 bed villa with pool that we would have been quite happy in for a week or two- It was spacious and decorated with lots of white, blue and rattan- just as you would expect for Comporta.

Independentre Hotel in Comporta

The town is small and there is not much to do, but the beaches are beautiful and there are plenty of amazing restaurants and stunning walks. We spent a day at Sublime Comporta Beach and had dinner at Ilha Do Arroz with the sun setting over the beach. Our favourite dinner was at  Cavalarica- a converted stable in the town serving traditional, seasonal dishes to share- the staff here were wonderful and the food was some of the best we had-we loved it.

Sunset over Comporta Beach at Ilha Do Arroz

The next day we drove to Lisbon, the capital. We stayed at The One Palacio De Anunciada- a converted 17th century palace in the centre. We loved this hotel and all agreed- the beds were like sleeping on a cloud. The rooftop pool was the perfect spot to unwind after a days sightseeing and had a really cool vibe and the breakfast in the courtyard was beautiful. We did a tuk tuk tour to see all of the sights, there are so many churches and historical places to see here, the architecture and tiled buildings make for a stunning city.

Famous number 28 tram in Lisbon

We visited the oldest bookshop in the world and I hunted down the shops that sell the best ceramics. My favourites were one by the castle called XVIII Azulejo e Faianca where they are handmade onsite and you can watch the artist painting them, they are made to look old and imperfect, which is what I loved about them. I also found a shop selling 18th century antique tiles and ceramics- D'Orey Tiles these one of a kind pieces were really special. 

Antique tiles at D'Orey Tiles

The worlds oldest bookshop is in Lisbon

On our way up to Porto, we stayed one night in Coimbra. Not somewhere we would have ever visited as its not a main city like Lisbon or Porto and its not on the coast like Comporta or Quinta.... but we are SO glad we stopped here! It was the old capital of Portugal before Lisbon, there are two kings buried in the monastery, an historic university and so much interesting history. We stayed at Quinta Das Lagrimas which has beautiful gardens full of huge trees that are hundreds of years old  and is where the legend of Ines De Castro and Prince Pedro's affair took place- a story which many plays and poems have been based on. We ate tapas at Boutique Tapas and Petiscos, another one of our top meals and not expensive- fabulous food and service.

The gardens at Quinta Das Legrimas

Our last stop was Porto, a picturesque city full of colourful tiled buildings and bridges. The city is famous for its port, so you have to try a Porto Tonico when you are here. We stayed at Torel Palace Porto, and old mansion house where each room is inspired by a famous Portuguese writer. Our room had the most incredible detailed ceiling and was as spacious as an apartment. We had THE most amazing dinner at Cozhina Das Flores- the lobster rice was the best thing I have ever tasted, even the bread was amazing here. We also had a wonderful meal at Restaurant Casario overlooking the river.

The coffee shop at our hotel- Torel palace Porto

The tiles on the walls at Porto train station

We visited Livraria Lello, the most beautiful bookshop in the world and spent our days strolling down the river, going on the cable car and funicular and chilling before we returned form out little adventure.

The city of Porto

We really feel like we have experienced Portugal- the people, the food, the architecture, the history, it was an amazing trip and and we have returned home having had a truly great experience.

The pieces I wore the most on  the trip...

Daphne Oz X Soru Divine Feminine Charm Necklace- An investment piece that will elevate any outfit, great to take away as that one statement piece

Botanico Necklace-  Perfect pop of colour, easy to layer and goes with everything

Ischia Bracelet- Turquoise is great in the sun, and the toggle closure makes it easy to reach for and pop on everyday

Our Favourite Meals...

Cozhina Das Flors- Porto. Best food of the trip, a must if in Porto

Cavalarica- Comporta. Wholesome and seasonal, have the chicken to share

2 Passos- Quinta Do Lago. Delicious traditional seafood

Our Favourite Hotels...

The One Palacio Da Anuncinda- Lisbon. The beds are heavenly and we loved the rooftop pool

Independentre Comporta- Peaceful and beautiful, villas are extra spacious

Torel Palace Porto- Luxurious but also quirky and thoughtfully decorated

Hotel Vermelho - Ok, I didn't stay here, but I am one day and it will be top of my list!

Love Marianna x